YouTube is trying to ease concerns about updating its monetization policy after a backlash from online creators. The announcement that YouTube is updating restrictions on “fraudulent” content, based on the YouTube Partner Program guidelines, was interpreted by those that meant that the platforms that were planning to demo a wider range of videos, including those that use AI Generated Content, Clips and Reactions, are planning to do so. Currently, YouTube is trying to clarify the situation.
“YouTube has always requested creators to upload 'original' and 'real' content,” YouTube said in its initial notice regarding changes to its policy. “On July 15th, 2025, YouTube will update its guidelines to better identify mass-produced recurring content. This update better reflects what “fraudulent” content looks like today. ”
According to a video posted by YouTube editor-in-chief Rene Ritchie, the change introduced on July 15th is a “minor update” to existing monetization policies. Ritchie said the new policy language “helps better identify when content is mass-produced or repeated.” “This type of content has been out of monetization for years and is often spam-related content that viewers often consider.”
On Thursday, YouTube also published a new support document, “To share more information and answer the top questions we saw.” This document states that “there is no change to the reused content policy” that notifies you of commentary and response content.
The updated policy text has not been released yet. However, clarifying which types of content are approved for monetization can help AI on the platform stop the flood of generated video slops. This technology is becoming more and more accessible, making it easier to produce lower quality content than ever before. It's common to find videos that combine stolen clips with AI-generated narration. It's also common to find an entire channel dedicated to pushing out slow-made AI spam, despite the requirements for YouTube's monetized content to be “original and authentic.”
Depending on X users who speculate that this change will prevent fully AI-generated videos from being fully monetized, YouTube has made it clear that using AI to improve content is eligible even if they meet all other policy requirements. If you're lucky, descriptions about what is considered “mass-produced or repetitive” content will at least clear some of the spam that's filling your YouTube feed.
Updated July 10th: Added a link to new support documentation from YouTube.
